Shopping for school uniforms, clothing and other school essentials is a challenge that every new school year poses for financially challenged parents. Thanks to the Salvation Army Tri-Cities' annual back-to-school shopping spree, there is a way out. Disadvantaged children in the Tri-Cities community receive brand new clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. The success of the program depends on financial and volunteer support from the community. A special fundraising breakfast will be held for the program this Saturday.

This year marks the fifth annual Back to School Shopping Spree in August. The goal is to fulfill the needs of 100 underprivileged students by providing each child with $100 worth of new school clothes. "Last year, Mervyn's sponsored $10,000 so Tri-Cities Salvation Army was able to provide 100 underprivileged students with $100 worth of new school clothes and supplies," said David Oh, Captain, Corps Officer, Salvation Army. However, due to the closure of Mervyn's at the end of last year, the organization is seeking other sponsors.

According to Oh, this year children will go to Wal-Mart in Newark for back to school clothes shopping. "The goal is to raise enough funds for this year's Back to School Shopping Spree, up to $10,000, to continue assisting 100 disadvantaged students in the community."

As an effort to raise funds, the Tri-Cities Salvation Army will have its fifth annual Pancake Breakfast on July 18 at Beck's Steak & Seafood. Beck's offers free use of their facility every year for the Pancake Breakfast fundraising event and a number of volunteers from the community will cook and serve pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausages. Fruit salad, juice, milk and coffee are also included.

Tickets are being sold at $10 for adults and $6 for kids at the Salvation Army, 36700 Newark Blvd and also at Beck's Restaurant, 36665 Cedar Blvd. Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army's Child Shopping Spree and Youth music program for disadvantaged yet deserving youth. For more information about the Salvation Army Tri-Cities Corps Community Center and to find out more ways in which you can lend a helping hand, visit www.tsatoday.org and click "tricities."